Hi,

I have moderate asthma complicated by severe allergies (allergic rhinitis). I would like to know why my doctor said my severe allergies complicate my asthma.

Thanks.

People with severe allergies often have an asthmatic-like response to the allergen which is difficult to control with asthma drugs alone.

This means that people with severe allergies that complicate their asthma (make them have asthmatic reactions to things they're allergic to) should be treated for their allergies as well as for their asthma.

Hi, wrin

I notice that if I take allergy meds alone or if I take asthma meds alone, I have asthma symptoms that are harder to control. If I take both allergy and asthma meds, I get better.

That's because you're balancing the treatment in two different ways. Asthma meds usually work on a direct basis inside the lung to reduce the inflammation and muscle spasming that's already in progress -- taking these drugs prophylactically (for prevention) often means that asthmatic exacerbations are fewer and farther between.

But the inflammatory process started by an allergic reaction can be enough to overwhelm the control given by these drugs -- sort of like a reinforced door. It might keep most things out but if the pounding is strong enough, the door will still break down.

You might find that when taking the two drugs in conjunction with each other you're able to lower your doses of each. This is another reason why they recommend this -- because the drugs working together (something called a synergistic effect) often means you can take low enough doses to almost eliminate drug side-effects.

Have you tried Singulair? I understand it's sometimes helpful for people with allergies. It's expensive, though.

Singulair has been a god send to me - used to suffer every spring and fall, I can even go in my MIL's house with her two cats and not have a major attack.

Hi, everybody

Wrin, thanks for the information. I agree that the inflammatory process caused by allergic reactions can overwhelm the control given by drugs.

Yes, I notice that I am able to take less allergy and less asthma drugs if I take both together. This indeed reduces the side effects of each drug.

I used Singulair in the past. My doctor switched me to Accolate, which he says is similar to Singulair.

Monday1954, I am glad Singulair works for you. I love animals and I often seek their company even though I am allergic to whatever is contained in animals' hair.

I've just been diagnosed with mild/moderate asthma, but when the doctor took my peak flow it was really high, at about 410. I dont understand how its so high if im supposed yto not be able to push enough air out of my lungs. My symptoms are Short breathedness after exercising, or in really hot rooms or frosty weather, coughing at night or after exercise and wheezing after exercise, with chest tightness when i breathe in. Does anyone else have asthma with a high peak flow, and deos this sound like proper asthma to you? Thanx.

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xxCazxx

High peak flows do not necessarily mean you don't have asthma. Peak flows won't drop significantly until you start having a pretty decent amount of airway obstruction. Some people's peak flows take forever to drop (like mine -- mine don't drop until I'm about ready to poop out from working so hard breathing) and some peoples' take forever to come back up. Treat symptoms, not numbers, as much.

I'm glad the antihistamines have been working well for you -- do you like the Accolate?